Announced in a Sony Mobile press release in Japan, the tablet has 10.1-inch HD display (1920 x 1200) with high brightness and high definition video WUXGA technology, along with Sony's Mobile Bravia Engine 2 for boosting the image content and contrasts.

Running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the Xperia Z tablet is powered by a 1.5Ghz quad-core processor and has an 8.1 million pixel camera on the rear equipped with CMOS sensor Exmor R for the first time in a Sony tablet.

Sony says that the camera performs better in low-light conditions and automatically adjusts to the optimal settings.

This all comes in a device that weighs 495g but is an incredible 6.9 millimetres thick, beating the iPad Mini's 7.2mm, believed to be the previous thinnest tablet on the commercial market.

The Xperia Z tablet supports Near Field Communications (NFC), enabling one-touch wireless streaming of photos and music, and also Long Term Evolution, or 4G internet, as well as WiFi.

Sony says that it has fitted the slate with "S-Force Front Surround 3D", a new technology that gives the user 'virtual surround sound' from the speakers.

The Xperia Z will be available in either black or white, and Sony intends to launch the device in Japan this spring. The firm has not given any indication as yet on a possible international launch or pricing for the tablet.